Every Dota 2 role (explained)

Dota 2 may not be nearly as popular as League of Legends, but that’s primarily because it doesn’t appeal to many casual players. The game is much more hardcore and requires more skill and patience than its competitor. While this has worked to ensure there’s a dedicated following of the game, it’s a double-edged sword, considering that newcomers can find it tough to get into the game, even if they have the patience to learn it.

Arguably the most important thing to learn about Dota 2 is what roles players can potentially play. As it is with League of Legends, every player has a certain role they must fill and play to ensure the match goes smoothly. Today, we’re here to go through all of those roles to ensure you know exactly what position is for you. We’ll also give a handful of tips for every role to help you get started on your Dota 2 journey.

So, if you’re just learning about Dota 2’s roles, keep reading because we have you covered. Of course, you can also just play alongside a professional Dota 2 player from Eloking to ensure they can teach you the ropes personally. The option is there, and the decision is yours to make.

Position 1 - Carry

The Carry is your team’s primary damage dealer and the strongest hero in late-game. They farm maximum gold, get key items, and eventually lead the charge when it is time to win fights or push the enemy base. Carries start slow and fragile but become powerhouses once they hit their item spikes.

Carries usually head to the safe lane (bot for Radiant, top for Dire) with a Hard Support (Position 5). The goal is to focus on avoiding deaths and building up gold. Heroes like Luna or Sven have built-in farming tools, while others like Anti-Mage rely on Battle Fury to speed farm gold.

Every Carry has different timing windows for switching gears. Medusa, for example, shines once she acquires Manta Style and Skadi. The Carry becomes the team’s centerpiece, letting someone else go first, then jump in to clean up or turn the fight around.

Position 2 - Midlaner

Midlaners set the tone for the early-to-mid game. They thrive on early levels and fast rotations, starting solo in the middle lane. They face off 1v1 against the enemy Midlaner and demand mechanical skill and an understanding of hero matchups. Hitting level 6 early gives a Midlaner the edge to roam, gank, or control runes and objectives.

A Midlaner role depends on the hero: Shadow Fiend farms core items first before rotating, while Huskar picks up key items and levels to gank and pressure the map. Meanwhile, tower pushers like Dragon Knight focus on objectives. Players must know when to farm, rotate, or force objectives.

Midlaners have the highest impact before the team’s Carry comes online. A successful rotation or a surprise gank disrupts the enemy’s momentum and opens up farming space. The Midlaner then transitions into a secondary core or a utility-focused role, turning flights, saving teammates, and keeping the team together.

Position 3 - Offlaner

The Offlaner is the team’s frontline disruptor, heading into the difficult hard lane. They soak pressure while going up against enemy Carries and Supports. They actively deny farming, threaten kills, and force the enemy on the back foot while surviving. Offlaners require farming, but their main job is to let the team’s Midlaner and Carry scale safely.

Their unique toolkit consists of high durability and powerful ultimates, letting them initiate fights or punish enemy mistakes. For example, a Blink Dagger into a Berserker’s call from Axe can flip a team fight in seconds. Naturally, they buy items that complement this style, such as tools like Blink or Pipe, that let them initiate or protect their team.

As the match moves past the lanes, Offlaners roam with their Supports to find picks, push lanes, and keep pressure on the map. Their early-game spikes force the enemy Carries into the jungle, and their mid-game plays secure vision and objectives. A strong Offlaner equals the impact of a top-farmed Carry when played right.

Position 4 - Soft Support

Soft Support works like an extra carry. They roam the map, set the tempo, and manipulate early game momentum. They don't farm much and instead contest runes and disrupt enemy lanes. The role demands strong map awareness, mechanical precision, and a mix of offense and defense. The goal is to harass Midlaners, protect Offlaners, and set up ganks.

Soft Supports tag alongside the Offlaner in the hard lane, helping deny farm to the enemy Carry. They zone out supports, pull camps, and stack neutrals for their cores. Afterward, they rotate and control Power Runes, help Midlaners, or tip the balance in other lanes. They can also assist the Carry in a tri-lane setup for extra pressure. They often benefit from tools like Force Staff or Glimmer Cape to boost influence.

Once teamfights break out, Soft Supports start initiating, disrupting, or becoming sacrificial saviors. They must land disables, bait out spells, and protect their cores. Heroes like Earth Spirit, Turks, or Bounty Hunter fit the role well and offer mobility, crowd control, and pressure. The best Soft Supports know when to dive, retreat, and trade their life for the greater good.

Position 5 - Hard Support

A Hard Support’s mission is to protect and empower the Carry in the safe lane during the early game. You’ll be disrupting Offlaners, securing last-hit space, and keeping sharp vision. Wards are your currency: Observer Wards for map awareness and Sentry Wards to snuff out enemy vision and invisible threats. Blocking camps, creep pulling, and stacking neutrals give your team an advantage.

Look for items that make life easier for your teammates: a Glimmer Cape to save allies, Force Staff for repositioning, or a Holy Locket for healing. After sorting their lane, Hard Supports rotate to mid-lane to help with runes or apply pressure. They then plant wards in clever spots, stack jungle camps to supercharge cores, and rotate when needed to secure power runes or assist Midlaners.

During teamfights, Hard Supports play less like front liners and more like guardian angels. You hover behind your team, throwing disables on key targets, healing wounded teammates, or soaking up spells to protect your cores. Heroes like Crystal Maiden and Treant Protector shine here with area control, team healing, or crowd control. A good Hard Support can hold a spell, bait a fight, and trade their life like a Soft Support.

What are the main roles in Dota 2, and how do they work together?

Dota 2 has five main roles, usually labeled as Positions 1 through 5. Position 1 needs the most farm and usually becomes the strongest late-game hero. Position 2 is the midlaner, often a high-damage core who needs early levels and gold to control the tempo. Position 3 is typically a tanky, utility-focused hero who disrupts the enemy carry. Positions 4 and 5 are supports, with 4 being more active in rotations and 5 focusing on lane support and warding. Each role has different priorities, but all five need to work together for a team to succeed.

Can I play the same hero in different roles?

Yes, many heroes in Dota 2 are flexible and can be played in multiple roles depending on your team’s strategy. For example, a hero like Viper can be played mid, in the offlane, or even as a support in some drafts. However, not every hero is ideal in every position. Some shine best with farming, while others are more useful when focusing on helping teammates. It’s important to understand the strengths of each hero and how they fit into the game plan.

 How do I figure out which role suits me best?

The best way to find your ideal role is by trying them out and seeing what you enjoy most. If you like farming and carrying games later on, Position 1 might be a good fit. If you prefer making plays early and controlling tempo, try Position 2 or 4. For players who enjoy protecting others, supporting can be really satisfying. Over time, you’ll get a feel for the pace, responsibility, and decision-making each role demands, and from there, you’ll naturally lean into the ones that click with your style.